If you don’t carry a flashlight every day, you should! But which is the best EDC flashlight for you?
Picking your EDC flashlight deserves just as much thought as you’d put into picking your next knife or multitool. A bad one will leave you in the dark at the worst possible time, and a good one will have your back no matter what.
Luckily, we have recommendations for budget-friendly EDC flashlights, premium options, and everything in between.
Read on to catch them all!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Most Versatile
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Most Compact
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Best Value
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Best Budget
Table of Contents
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EDC Flashlight Comparison Chart
| Maximum Lumens | Maximum Candela | Battery | Maximum Battery Run Time | Weight | Length | Price | |
| Surefire Stiletto Pro II | 1,500 | 35,000 | Rechargeable (USB-C) | 23.5 hrs | 5 oz | 4.87″ | $233 |
| Coast Slayer | 1,150 | N/A | Rechargeable (USB-C) | 11 hrs | 3.2 oz | 5.5″ | $79 |
| Streamlight Wedge XT | 500 | 1,900 | Rechargeable (USB-C) | 11 hrs | 2.6 oz | 4.25″ | $84 |
| Fenix PD36R Pro | 2,800 | N/A | Rechargeable (USB-C) | 42 hrs | 6 oz | 5.74″ | $119 |
| Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA | 350 | 6,400 | CR123A, AA | 14 hrs | 2.8 oz | 4.25″ | $48 |
How We Chose the Best EDC Flashlights
Manufacturing a flashlight is easy. Making it strong enough to handle everything life throws at you day after day is more of a challenge.
For this list, I focused on brands I know and trust. I’m sure there are other great EDC flashlights out there, but these are the ones I’d be comfortable throwing in my pocket, go-bag, or car. I’ve put my hands on every product on this list and one of them is riding shotgun next to my car keys as I write this.
Best EDC Flashlights
1. Surefire Stiletto Pro II – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Fast USB-C charging
- Reversible pocket clip
- Durable aluminum housing
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Power Output: 1,500, 500, 25 lumens
- Maximum Candela: 35,000 candela
- Battery: Rechargeable (USB-C)
- Battery Run Time: 1, 1.5, 23.5 hrs
- Weight: 5 oz
- Length: 4.87″
The Surefire Stiletto (either the base model or the Pro version) has been on the top of so many flashlight guides that I figured its reign was near its end. And then Surefire dropped this second-generation Siletto Pro II on us.
The previous Stiletto Pro is nearly perfect. It’s reliable, powerful, slim, made in the U.S., and has great battery life. The only complaints I’ve heard stem from its slow-charging micro-USB port.
Surefire replaced that with a USB-C port that significantly reduces charging times.
Surefire also added a second LED. The result is 1,500 lumens on the highest setting (up from 1,000) and a massive jump to 35,000 candela (compared to 5,100). That means this new version is brighter and vastly further reaching than the first-generation Stiletto Pro.
The Stiletto Pro II still uses an aluminum housing with an IPX7 waterproof rating. As before, you’ll get a button to cycle through power settings and an on/off tail switch. Both are programmable.
You can set the main button to cycle through power modes low to high or high to low and set the tailswitch to the high setting or a strobe. The new light retains the battery-level indicator LED and reversible pocket clip.
Yeah, it’s expensive. But it’s also the best EDC flashlight money can buy.
2. Coast Slayer – Most Versatile
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Pros
- Slim design
- Programmable power switch
- Versatile output
Cons
- Might be too long for pocket carry
Specs
- Power Output: 1,150, 540, 380, 205, 42 lumens
- Maximum Candela: N/A
- Battery: Rechargeable (USB-C)
- Battery Run Time: 2.5, 4.25, 11 hrs (none listed for the highest setting)
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Length: 5.5″
The Coast Slayer is a slim pocket light that packs lots of power. Its unconventional shape grabbed my attention at SHOT Show and its features are worth a look.
This base model is the first one that’s available to the public. It offers a 1,150-lumen turbo mode, a 540-lumen spotlight, and three levels of floodlight. There’s a programmable power switch, a charge-level indicator, and a removable pocket clip on the IPX7 waterproof aluminum body. The USB-C charging port can top off the battery in two hours.
Like other manufacturers, Coast is embracing the shift toward flat flashlights for EDC duty. The Slayer is no thicker than my iPhone in its Otterbox case, and it fits great in a front or rear pocket. If you have an EDC bag, it will fit perfectly in a standard elastic loop as long as the 5.5-inch length isn’t an issue.
3. Streamlight Wedge XT – Most Compact
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Pros
- Compact and easy to carry
- Basic controls
Cons
- Not as versatile
Specs
- Power Output: 500, 50 lumens
- Maximum Candela: 1,900 candela
- Battery: Rechargeable (USB-C)
- Battery Run Time: 2, 11 hrs
- Weight: 2.6 oz
- Length: 4.25″
If you want a compact EDC flashlight to keep in your pocket, this is it. The new Streamlight Wedge XT keeps its predecessor’s thin profile but cuts length by over an inch.
This compact EDC light has high and low modes (500 and 50 lumens, respectively). It still charges from a USB-C port like the previous Wedge but ditches the side-mounted toggle power switch in favor of a button on the end.
This isn’t a powerful flashlight, and its features are bare-bones, so it’s not a great option for people who want a tactical flashlight light they can carry daily. Where it excels is being easy to use and comfortable to carry.
The best light is the one you have on you when you need it, so in that regard, the Streamlight Wedge XT makes a compelling case for itself.
4. Fenix PD36R Pro – Best Value
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Pros
- Long battery life
- Multiple power settings
- Burable
Cons
- Large for pocket carry
Specs
- Power Output: 2,800, 2,500 (strobe), 1,000, 350, 150, 30 lumens
- Maximum Candela: N/A
- Battery: Rechargeable (USB-C)
- Battery Run Time: 3.5, 4, 8.25, 19, 42 hrs
- Weight: 6 oz
- Length: 5.74″
The popular Fenix PD36R Pro got a bunch of nice updates in 2024. It’s too big to keep in your front pocket but perfect for the nightstand or an off-body carry bag.
Inside the IP68 waterproof aluminum body is a rechargeable battery that uses a USB-C port and can be swapped out for a fresh one when time is a factor. The PD36R Pro has five power settings ranging from 30 to 2800 lumens and a 2,500-lumen strobe function. The maximum candela rating of 36,000 gives the PD36R Pro a range of 380 meters. On the lowest setting, the battery will last 42 hours.
Unlike the PD36R, this Pro model has two switches on the tailcap (one for power modes and one for the strobe) and none on the side. You can replace the tailcap with a remote pressure switch to use this as a weapon light.
One thing that makes the PD36R Pro stand out is its battery. It’s rechargeable with a USB-C port, but you can also remove it and hot-swap a fresh one to eliminate downtime. This is the best of both worlds.
The the PD36R Pro isn’t going to knock the Stiletto Pro II off the podium, but it’s a lot closer than the price difference suggests.
5. Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA – Best Budget
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Compact and light
- Affordable
- Strobe and multiple power modes
Cons
- Lower output than other lights
Specs
- Power Output: 350, 40 lumens
- Maximum Candela: 6,500 candela
- Battery: CR123, AA
- Battery Life: 1.5, 14 hrs (CR123)
- Weight: 2.8 oz
- Length: 4.25″
The Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA has been out for several years, but it’s a great budget option for anyone who wants a solid EDC flashlight that doesn’t cost a bunch of money.
It’s short on features but you get the essentials: high and low settings, plus a strobe function. The biggest advantage is its ability to run off a single CR123, AA lithium, or AA alkaline battery. You’ll get maximum power from a CR123 battery and maximum battery life from an AA lithium battery.
Everything is controlled with a single button on the tailpiece, and the light is barely larger than a tube of ChapStick, so it sits nicely in a front pocket. The two-way pocket clip can be used to mount the ProTac 1L-1AA on a hat brim without removing and reversing it.
Streamlight lists an MSRP of $80 for the ProTac 1L-1AA, but this model has been around long enough that retail prices are about half of that.
What do you think of the ProTac? Rate it below!
How to Choose the Best EDC Flashlight
Everyone has their own criteria for what makes the best EDC flashlight, but there are some universal considerations to keep in mind. Keep an eye out for on EDC flashlights are power modes, color modes, a strobe function, and a magnetic base.
Power Output: Lumens vs. Candela
Flashlight power output is measured in lumens and candela in the same way that we talk about engines in terms of horsepower and torque. Think of lumens as measuring how intense the light is, and candela as measuring how far it reaches.
Don’t judge a flashlight by its power output. Sometimes, having a bright searchlight is necessary, but I’ve run into just as many situations where I need less power to avoid getting blinded by my own light.
Many EDC flashlights have multiple settings, so you can get everything from a soft glow to a powerful spotlight from one piece of gear.
Batteries: Rechargeable vs. Disposable
Should your EDC flashlight use a rechargeable battery or a disposable one? That’s a hotly debated question.
Rechargeable batteries are convenient because you can top them off every night, just like you charge your phone. A portable power bank or small solar charger can keep them up and running without lugging around extra batteries.
The downside is that when you do need to recharge, it takes a while. There are times when being able to swap out a dead battery for a fresh one in seconds makes a huge difference. Rechargeable batteries also have a limited lifespan, so eventually, you’ll have to replace yours when it fails to charge.
Most of the time, rechargeable flashlights are fine. If you’re looking for a weapon light or work in any kind of profession where lives are on the line, stick to batteries you can replace on the go.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical editor Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
If you have money to spend and demand the best, there’s no reason to stray from the latest generation of Surefire’s perennial favorite, the Stiletto.
Not everyone has hundreds of dollars to drop on a flashlight, though, and some people don’t want to put a $350 device in their pocket every time they leave the house and risk losing it. That’s ok because our other picks from Coast, Streamlight, and Fenix are solid alternatives that won’t break the bank (or your heart if you misplace them).
Which EDC flashlight is in your pocket? Let us know in the comments. Want to dive into some budget-friendly tactical lights? Check out our guide to the Best Tactical Flashlights Under $100!
Latest Updates
- March 2025: Added comparison chart and updated supporting content.
- March 2024: Total rewrite with all new recommendations and considerations when buying.
58 Leave a Reply
I can't believe your list did not include at least one OLight. I have used them for years and they are reliable and well priced. I'll be unsubscribing today because I no longer consider your reviews unbiased.
Thanks for reading. We have plenty of reviews on various Olight products on our site. Unfortunately, we can't list every product we've tested as the list would be near endless!
I carry the Fenix pd36r in my front pocket everyday at work. It has proven to be a reliable flashlight for over 3 yrs now. If I get another light it'll be the pd36r pro.
Why I preferred the PD32 V2.0 since there is no cover for stuff or water to get in. I like 21700 batteries for somethings, like say for a flashlight I keep in the car or say a power bank I'm not carrying around, but otherwise I consider them a bit large for EDC. Granted not by much but already have a ton of 18650 batteries.
I prefer the 5.11 flat flashlight. It has protection around the switch to prevent activating while carrying in your pocket. I stopped carrying the Streamlight wedge for that reason. The flat flashlight design is a game changer for comfort.
I am a huge fan of USB-C, not for charging an integrated flashlight battery though. I would much rather have a battery I can change out. That leaves out much of your list. CR123 is also not a favorite, most flashlights need two cells, might as well just get a something that needs just one. The best EDC I have is PROMETHEUS LIGHT/FOUR SEVEN flashlights, the Quark QK16L MKIII is a great light, perfect size and doesn't break the bank. They do make another that use two AA batteries but is a bit longer. After that 18650 size batteries win. My second favorite is the FENIX PD32 V2.0. I do like the SUREFIRE M64 weapons light I have and would go with their Dual Fuel version 18650 flashlights if I had the cash.
I've owned the Fenix PD36R since 2021, when we took our self-defense class. I carry mine every day, have had only one problem, the cover for the charging port would not stay on. No regrets.
Greg, I'm glad to hear the class covered flashlights! They're often overlooked but a quick burst of light can be very effective. Sounds like you've got a good EDC setup.
You missed the Nitecore EDC29, a much better version of the Surefire Stilletto pro II. 4x lumens, tactical button layout, half the price, super rugged.
Found the Surefire Stilletto Pro 2 on Amazon for a few dollars cheaper at $352. Optics Planet has it on back order so it drops on the earlier version.
Look at Nitecore EDC29. 6500 Lumens and UBC rechargeable. $110 SLIMLINE DESIGN and distance is over 300 feet very nice beam, dual lights. It says 400 meters tactical search distance.
On your Pro's and Con's for 4. Fenix PD36R Pro
You have the word Burable instead of Durable lol
I like my $29 Baldr rechargeable flashlights that I've used and depended on for the last 4 years. 400 lumens, reliable and inexpensive. What's not to like?
Hey, if it works, it works. Thanks for the recommendation!
Your guys link for the Surefire Stiletto Pro 2 on Bronwells website is the wrong one. Your link is for the Surefire Stiletto Pro 1,000 lumens light. Not sure if your links to the other flashlights are right or not. Haven't had the time to checkout each link
How is it that not a single plight made the list?
My current EDC flashlight is a Streamlight Stylus PRO.
Fenix 30R for best EDC
Ive sold Nitecore, Fenix and Acebeam flashlights for 5 years and these brands are excellent. Especially Acebeam.
I put Surefire lights on my guns. I’ve tried OLIGHT and they didn’t stand up to the recoil. I was not impressed with Olight flashlights - but their batteries are good.
However, my current pick for an EDC carry light is the WUBEN T4. It’s small and pocket friendly, has a throw of 400 metres and 850 lumens. It has a tactical ring so it can be locked out if necessary. And it comes on full when the switch is pressed which is essential for me in a dark area at night. It sells for $48. It’s also has a USB C recharging port.
I am very impressed with the T4 and at that price it’s well worth a look.
There's no short supply of decent and junk lights out there, that's for sure.
Still love my old reliable Surefire Z2-Combat Light with the upgraded electronic replacement bulb that I picked up a few years later.
I've gotten a few lights that I really like but the biggest problem is a good belt clip.
No way in hell am I spending more than $10-20 for a light that has a shit belt clip.
I've been really happy and impressed with Fenix lights. High quality and no issues. Easy recharging and great value. Their selection of products is outstanding, from camping, utility, and EDC. I own multiple products from them and very happy.
A lot of cheaper and much better Olights are choices for much more serious consideration than any of these.
Olight has a new line of the Arkfield that puts out 1400 lumens, and combines a green laser & a U/V light.
I like your review of these lights, but you should take a look at the Olight Arkfield Pro. Combines a variable intensity flash light with 1400 lumens max, a green laser, and a U/V light in a small compact case that fits in your pocket. Cost is less than $100 as well.
At the suggestion of another investigator I purchased the Olight Arkfield EDC flashlight ($80 Bucks) 1000 Lumens max down to Candlelight. Has a UV light and a laser. Very Very useful for investigations. Rechargeable on a magnetic base
Things have changed over the years, what we ask an EDC to do has actually expanded. And asking "gun guys" what they prioritize tends to be a weak link - they view lights from the same expectations as calibers, bigger is always better. In every day carry, that would be a 6 D cell maglight on their battle belt, which isn't considered appropriate by police anymore. It wasn't a light, it was a substitute baton. Some of the first personal lights actually came from a combatives instructor who created a sub discipline for aircraft carry by passengers. Do tell.
These days, a lot more of us EDC a light for a lot of different purposes. A Streamlight AAA was my favorite so I could see tiny box labels on shelving in a warehouse - my customer needed points for his 63 Vette. Or looking in the car for the cell phone down beside the seat. Dozens of daily jobs like that. The Streamlight did well, but of late, my needs presented challenges, like, using a red light to make coffee in the adjoining kitchen at 2AM. Keeping the house lights off and not waking a spouse gets you to reaching back to the good ol days in the field. I got a Streamlight Boot with 55 lumens and red filter, runs off AA's and works well, the form factor with helmet clip, not so much.
Incoming is the Olight Oclip Pro - and having owned Olight a few years back, fit and finish were on my mind, too. They have survived, expanded, brought quality up, and created a new form factor - a small retangular light similar in size to a Zippo, with three emitters - flood, spot, and red - different power levels, and even a red beacon choice. It uses a rotary switch lever around the push button, and if anyone is familiar with the new Anduril UI operation, you might count your blessings this isn't. No menu of double triple clicks, rotate to that function, press for the power level, done. Simplicity reigns again.
This light comes with an integral clip - stated to hold 75 pounds weight - and if it seems upside down, it also has a lanyard hole and magnets. Those familiar with clipping lights on MOLLE gear might quickly see the utility of this light. It will perform a lot of functions, is pocketable, isn't going to burn a hole in your pants with it's responsible interlock and light output. That "gun guy" thing again, seems we aren't happy unless the light we have can start brush fires. As the LA fires have shown, a pudding blowtorch is a better tool. We don't really need a pocket searchlight and the horsepower race to have one is much like supercharging a 426 Hemi - in a taxi cab. Looks cool, taking the kids to school, not so much.
Might be a good time to rethink how we rate lights - it's NOT about max lumens, we have achieved eye blinding levels. It's about versatility and performance. Unlike a emergency light which could run on 18650's daily with 123 backups when there is no grid, and EDC light is something we change up after a few years - adding features and often deleting the ones that are unneeded, like, 30 rounds for deer hunting. I've noted that in my state, the ten round Pmags are almost always sold out year round - for hunting. Standard capacity is what is a slow starter once the mag fort is built. As with lights, the lumen wars are about over, and the feature sets are now becoming the selling point. AKA what cartridge are you building this year?
.375 Soc here. ; )
Tailcaps?
Yes, I agree. In the dim aftermath of a nuclear impact these will not suffice. Alongside my various knives, kits, ballistic vests, helmets, grenades, rifles (with bayos), bankline, paracord, tarps, trip wires, carabiners, thermal vision nocs, night vision nocs, water purification tablets, fire kit, spare gasoline, a second car-rig (towed behind my 4x4 and on top of the tractor trailer) dictionaries, passports, gold coins, saws, fishing rods and lures, snake bite kit, ferro rod and backup ferros, salt, silk, seashells, disguises and some other secret items that I carry EVERYDAY(EDC) on my person, this list is pathetic. The test should include strapping the flashlight to some C4. If not still running afterwords AND not made in USA it is obviously complete junk and will not suffice in the coming survival situation (for which I study survival videos and practice my bushcraft at least 9 hours each day).
I wouldn’t depend on any of these minus the olight, possibly. Cheap list.
all made in China
I don't know why the Surefire G2X isn't on the list.
The Zebralight is made in the USA. That is why they are hurting financially, from China made inferior products
Most Zebralight models have a manual lockout where you can turn the cap 1/4 turn, to prevent accidental activation.
That is correct. The author should know that, but apparently didn’t research that factor. Even Some of the chins made units have that feature. Simply, moments before you put if back in your pocket, take one second and turn the tail cap a 1/4 turn! Again, author here should know that? Perhaps Pew should research who authors their reviews.
Try not to buy Chicom!
I see you reviewed the Olight S2 but missed the Barton Pro which outputs 2000 lumen max. Both are great lights but I love the new Boton as my EDC. The bet thing is that the size of (either light) is about the same as the 18650 battery that powers it.
There are surefire lights that meet the $100 limit (Or maybe just above, but worth it for American made) that I would love to see reviewed, like the Stiletto and the E1B
I'm surprised you didnt have a coast light in here. Mine is the best light I have ever owned.
Which of the reviewed lights are NOT made in China?
None of them.
Your mom was made in China.
Great post . It is very informational . I think most of the people want to have flashlight but they see that it is not a big issue . But they should learn that how it is important for our daily lifes.
edc flashlight
for around $20 you can buy a streamlite in many configurations , which are very bright and adjustable. They only take a standard battery also.
My choice: Hatori AAA light. "EDC" for me means cheap, practical, and easily replaceable batteries - in addition to performing well. And for me that means a very small but durable light that uses a single AAA battery. Sure, you can find one that puts out more light, but you probably don't want to carry it in your pocket all day and night. This is the best of all the AAA lights, much better quality than the knockoffs on Amazon. Ultra lightweight, uses Cree XPE bulb for over 100 lumen output. And you can get a 4-pack for just $20, which means you actually have one everywhere you want one - one in your pocket, one in your gear bag, one in your car, one in your drawer. Pair it with rechargeables for regular use or Energizer lithiums for occasional use and you're way ahead on cost and convenience while still getting good performance.
I'll never buy another OLIGHT product because they don't respond to warranty inquiries. Apparently their "3-year warranty" is just words on paper. After emailing them and calling to leave polite messages, I received ZERO response from them, leaving me with a useless $60 flashlight. I'd suggest trying one of the other brands listed here, only because of OLIGHT's lack of customer service.
I’d suggest avoiding the China produced lights then. My Surefire lights continue to work great. Buy weapon lights to last a lifetime because if you go cheap that may be exactly how long they last.
Great list, thanks a lot for the reviews.
Could you tell me in the last picture, where you have them lined up, what's the 4th one from left to right ??
It seems to be the one that has the most focused output.
Thanks.
Photon Pro is a great EDC light.
Thanks Wolf, I remember these little guys from way long ago.
Just found your web site, great detail on your comparison,, keep up the good work, look forward to your reviews
Glad we could help out, Roger!
Another good one sir!
Tip for lights that turn on in your pocket. Unscrew the tailcap about 1/8 - 1/4 turn when you put it in your pocket. It sounds like a pain but it only takes a day or two to get used to it. I do it one handed I'm so used to it now.
Jack
Good tip!
Ever consider the FourSevens Mini Mark II, ridiculously small (not much bigger than 1 cr123) bright (1020 lumens) and programmable (6 modes). Less than $50 for the light, battery and charger. I have one on every key chain I own.
Thanks Jonathan, I'll look into that one...liking the dimensions.
When it comes to everydaycarry, what comes to me first is portability. My personal choices are surefire titan, sidekick & e series. They are all small in size and light in weight, very durable no doubt.
Cool, thanks for the recs...might have to check them out when we update the article.